Prototype iPad with 2 dock connectors sells for $10,200

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If you walk into an Apple Store today someone will happily sell you a third-generation iPad, or even an iPad 2 if they happen to have some left in stock. But the first-generation iPad is dead and buried. There really is no reason to desire one unless you happen to be a developer who wants to test on the old/original hardware.

So why has someone just paid $10,200 for a first-gen iPad that isn’t fully-functional?

The main reason is due to the fact this model never got released. It’s a prototype unit that Apple manufactured with not one, but two dock connectors. Everything else remains the same as the final, shipped iPad in terms of hardware configuration, but that second dock connector is totally unique. It shows Apple was experimenting to see if they needed a second connector for docking the tablet in landscape mode.

Ultimately the second port was rejected and Apple went with a simpler design. Apparently all prototypes are disabled when they are no longer of use to the company, but somehow this prototype unit managed to leave the safety of Apple’s campus and got refurbished. It runs Apple’s testing suite known as SwitchBoard, but the touchscreen does not work for input.

Paying $10,200 for this device certainly secures the buyer a collector’s item and a piece of Apple history. However, I can’t see it being a good investment and doubt it will increase in value as the years roll by. I’d hazard a guess this prototype has been bought by a huge Apple fan rather than someone thinking they can make even more money from it in the future.